First Sentier Group established to reflect brand evolution

Global investment manager First Sentier (FSI) Investors has launched the First Sentier Group to provide “greater clarity around its hierarchy and identity, worldwide”.

Formed in response to its shift into a multi-affiliate asset manager, the newly established First Sentier Group has $214.5 billion in assets under management (AUM), as at 30 June.

FSI was established in 2019 as a rebrand of Colonial First State Global Asset Management (CFSGAM) following the sale from Commonwealth Bank to Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG).

Launching the group, the firm said, provides an opportunity for it to clearly delineate from its affiliate investment team First Sentier Investors, which was previously used to describe the group despite being one of many within the collective. 

As the overarching umbrella brand, First Sentier Group will support its affiliate investment teams of AlbaCore Capital Group, First Sentier Investors, FSSA Investment Managers, Igneo Infrastructure Partners, RQI Investors, and Stewart Investors. There will be no changes to investment teams, their investment processes or autonomy in response to this change.

First Sentier Investors will still remain a brand under the new group, focusing on Australian equities, listed infrastructure, property securities, cash, and fixed income.

Speaking on the announcement, global head of distribution and marketing, Lauren Prendiville, said the formation of the umbrella group better reflects the identity of the business and will strengthen its brand presence worldwide.

“First Sentier Group brings together and supports our distinct affiliate investment teams to deliver meaningful investment outcomes for our clients. At the same time, they continue to benefit under one agile operating model, while preserving their investment autonomy,” Prendiville said.

“As the umbrella brand, we have refreshed our visual identity and we believe our brand promise of ‘Better Strategies. Better Service. Better Possibilities’, emphasises our client-centric and collaborative approach to achieving our clients’ goals.”